A BOY Named Susie’s victory in the featured Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh was as straightforward as odds of 1/7 predicted and he dispatched his three rivals with the minimum of fuss.
Dropping in class after finishing second in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, Oisin Murphy’s mount tracked the pace-setting Charles Fort and led two furlongs out to take the historic Group 3 contest by five lengths.
“It was horrific to watch!,” said Donnacha O’Brien who trains the winner for his sister Ana. “That was just what we wanted and I thought he was quite impressive.
“I know he beat horses that he’s much better than, but he quickened up very well. Oisin felt like he was improving and said he gave him a very good feel.”
With regard to the Irish Champion Stakes being a possible next target, O’Brien added: “I think it makes sense.
“Oisin is pretty confident that 10 furlongs is his trip for now, and he’s got a turn of foot, which I think will suit Leopardstown.”
First stakes for Dias
Armor Supreme was a first stakes winner for Diego Dias in the William Hill Irish European Breeders Fund Juvenile Sprint Stakes.
The €4,000 yearling purchase had finished ninth in a red-hot renewal of the Queen Mary Stakes and quickened up well for Rossa Ryan to beat Grayrobin by a length and a quarter.
The 13/8 favourite is owned in partnership by Team Valor International, Matt Eves and trainer Dias himself.
“After Ascot we gave her a little bit of a break and there is a bit more to come from her,” said the Brazilian native. “She needed this run, she got a couple of weeks off and is just back now. She’s sharp and I’m keen to stick to five furlongs at the moment. Maybe next year, we could step her up to six.”
10th success for Harry
Successful in the corresponding race in 2022, Harry’s Hill (4/1) took the Tote-sponsored five-furlong handicap in the hands of Paddy Harnett.
Owned by the Tipp Ramblers Partnership, the eight-year-old led well inside the final furlong to beat Soulful Diva by a length and a quarter.
“That’s 10 races won now and to have a horse that can win 10 races in this country, it’s hard enough to win one. He’s a legend and we love him,” said a delighted winning trainer Martin Hassett.
“Paddy’s 5lb helped. We’re trying to help Paddy and Sam Coen, they are all neighbours and friends.”
ORLA Tynan excelled on Liberation Date (7/1) who made all in the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Handicap over a mile and a quarter.
The 7lb claimer kept a bit up her sleeve for the straight and, without recourse to the ProCush, held Thyer by half a length.
“She broke smart and got a good advantage but, in fairness to Orla, she knows what she’s at,” said Jack Foley, who trains the daughter of Ghaiyyath for Donnchadh Doyle.
“She gave her plenty of a fill and said she’d let them come to her and push her on. She’s a good rider and will get plenty of rides off us.”
Fighting win
Well backed in the morning and before the off, Fighting Tears (11/2) landed a touch in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over six furlongs.
The Lucky Vega filly, who cost just €3,000 as a yearling, finished well under Ronan Whelan and led close home for a half-length victory over Roeillaun.
“We don’t over-prep them first time out, they usually take a blow and need the experience, but we were hopeful something like that might happen on what she was showing us at home,” said winning owner/trainer Andy Oliver.
THERE was a blanket finish to the one-mile Melbourne Cup Carnival Handicap with Comfort Line - owned and trained by Ado McGuinness - rattling home down the outside to lead on the line.
The 5/1 chance, notching his 11th win, had a neck to spare over Avec Grand Plaisir.
“He’s still very enthusiastic. Ado and the team do a great job with him, they keep him fresh and well,” reported Adam Caffrey after winning on the veteran for the fifth time.
Pasha goes one better
Trained by Joseph O’Brien for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Zarak Pasha (6/4) went one better than at Galway in the Velo ‘Official Coffee At The Curragh’ Irish EBF Maiden over one mile, one furlong.
After hitting the front over a furlong out, the winner held his promising stablemate Dancinginthecity by half a length. “He’ll have no problem stepping up in trip again in time, but he’s after sharpening up plenty with racing and he’s not slow. He’s got a little bit of class, I think,” said rider Dylan Browne McMonagle.
Unexpected success
Howlin Wolf was a welcome winner for 2024 champion apprentice James Ryan in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap over six furlongs.
Ryan bagged the nearside rail and made all on the 10/1 chance, who scored by a length and a quarter from I Ready.
Jack Davison, who trains the Cotai Glory gelding for his mother Paula, said: “I didn’t really expect this. He’s a quirky sort but he got the rail and picked up well. I bred him myself, so it’s really pleasing.”
The winner is eligible for a €20,000 bonus if following up in the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas in October.